Where We Serve
Albany Baker City
Bend
Coos Bay
Eugene Grants Pass
Gresham
Klamath Falls
La Grande Medford
McMinneville
Newport
Pendleton
Portland
Roseburg
The Dalles
Washington County
OUR MISSION
Preach th h the go e gospel of J l Jesus
Chhrist a t and to m d meet h t human needs i s in Hiis name w e withthout discriminimination.
Major Halstad, Pendleton Corps Officer, prepares their annual Thanksgiving meal. This year, they served 167 meals, including delivery to 71 elderly and/or homebound individuals.
Byron, a Washington County HOPE Center volunteer, helps employee Chris (right) prepare the hundreds of food boxes that are distributed four days a week. The boxes include fresh produce, protein, and bread, in addition to canned goods.
Captain Caleb from the Gresham Corps and Community Center packs a food box to be distributed to the community.
a letter from our divisional leaders
Dear Friends,
My wife and I are deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve as Divisional Leaders in the Cascade Division alongside such a dedicated team of individuals. Your unwavering support for our work has been instrumental in our ability to make a meaningful impact in communities throughout Oregon. We gratefully extend our heartfelt appreciation for your continued generosity.
Your contributions have provided essential resources such as food, shelter, and clothing, while also instilling hope in the hearts of those facing adversity.
As we look forward to the year ahead, we are excited to share some of the remarkable ways we have impacted and empowered disadvantaged youth, from outdoor adventures at our summer camps, to nurturing talent and passion through our new Music Academy in Gresham. The provision of safe spaces like the Sunderland RV Safe Park in Portland and our initiatives aim to meet diverse needs and bring about positive change. Through programs like the Pathway of Hope, we are witnessing firsthand the transformative power of holistic support. As we equip individuals and families with the tools they need to rebuild their lives, we are sowing the seeds of lasting change and self-resilience.
We invite you to join us on this journey of hope and transformation. Your continued partnership is invaluable as we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Whether through volunteering your time, or the giving of resources, your investment is crucial in helping us achieve our goals.
Joshua 1:9 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” With faith as our compass and your support, we are confident that together, we can bring about meaningful change in our communities.
May God bless you abundantly for your generosity and kindness.
God bless you, Majors Jonathan and Vickie Harvey Divisional Leaders, The Cascade Division
Smiles abound at the Portland Tabernacle “Senior Prom”, part of the Senior Wrap Around Program (SWAP). These quarterly meet ups provide space, time and activities for seniors to get together and enjoy food, fellowship, fun, and worship.
Portland Metro Officer, Lt. Omoduni George, and Advisory Board member, Patrick Sheehan, meet with their local legislator at the Oregon Capitol.
Coos Bay’s Moonbeams, a character building program for PreK and Kindergarden, perform at a nursing home for 60 seniors during the 2023 Christmas season.
How we meet local needs
Assess the Need
FIRST, we assess the needs of each community in which we serve. We work to understand the obstacles, hardships, and challenges native to the area’s particular population.
Build the Programs
NEXT, we build local programs designed to offer immediate relief, short-term care, and long-term growth in the areas that will best benefit the community.
Invest in the Community
THEN, we offer the local programs to the local community while working to continually optimize their efficacy via spiritual, physical, and emotional service.
Major Nolan, Eugene Corps Officer, poses with a staff member from Levi Strauss after their generous donation of food.
Originally providing for 15 Thanksgiving boxes, the company employees were so motivated by the challenge they provided 80 boxes and a check to purchase fresh produce, dairy and meat. At Christmas time they also adopted 75 “Angels” from the Angel Tree to provide toys and food to local families in need.
At the Salem Kroc Corps and Community Center, a GED student tries not to laugh during a math demonstration. As part of a partnership with the school system, this brand new program serves teenagers who need a different approach to education.
A Salvation Army Roseburg employee smiles with first responders while passing out snacks, water, and coffee. When a disaster occurs, The Salvation Army can quickly respond to the needs of the community.
219,444 People Served Annually
A volunteer in the Portland Metro area sorts toys to be given to children in need. This program annually collects and distributes over 22,000 toys in the Portland area, and others like it have similar distribution centers across Oregon.
Over 77,509 Gifts & Toys are distributed annually
Helping Seniors Thrive!
Gladys Wood blows out the candles during her 100th birthday party at the Portland Silvercrest, a residence for low income seniors, owned and operated by The Salvation Army.
Ladies from Newport enjoy a fun meal together as part of their weekly meetings.
Major Jonathan Harvey assists Seniors during the woodworking elective at the annual Senior Jamboree, held at Camp Kuratli each fall to brighten spirits and encourage the community.
Smiles abound at the Portland Tabernacle “Senior Prom”, part of the Senior Wrap Around Program (SWAP). These quarterly meet ups provide space, time, and activities for seniors to get together and enjoy food, fellowship, fun, and worship.
$6,083,762 $12,388,546 $1,351,657 $3,601,484 $27,625 $7,460,058
Hope Restored for a Family in Medford, OR
Last year, Tyler Vega and his girlfriend Ariel Huffman found themselves in a very difficult situation; homeless, and in their addiction, hopeless, they were looking for a way out. After losing their son, Hunter, to the State of Oregon, he spent 2 years in foster care until they were called for beds at an inpatient rehab program. While they were in rehab, they struggled with finding somewhere to go where they could live together and be able to get their son back under the same roof. Two months into their treatment program they interviewed at the H.O.P.E. House in Medford, OR and were accepted into the family dorm.
After only a few short months their son moved home with them. Tyler got a full-time job and was able to pay off outstanding fines and tickets. During the program, they learned valuable life skills like budgeting and parenting. “I have my license, we bought a car, and we moved from the family dorm into an apartment at H.O.P.E. House. Whenever we find ourselves struggling with any obstacles during our journey, we have been blessed with the staff at H.O.P.E. House who are genuine caring people who help us learn how to navigate through coming off the streets and out of addiction. We have had to unlearn old and unhealthy behaviors and relearn healthy and productive behaviors.”
“Our son, Hunter, needed us and if it weren’t for the H.O.P.E. House we wouldn’t be growing every day. With all the positivity that H.O.P.E. House provided to our family, you can only imagine what they can provide to so many more families if given the chance. Being participants in the program has helped us achieve what a year ago felt unachievable.”
Salvation Army Shelters in Oregon
• West Women’s & Children’s Shelter | Portland, OR
• H.O.P.E House | Medford, OR
• Veterans & Family Center | Beaverton, OR
• The Lighthouse Shelter | Salem, OR
• Sunderland RV Safe Park | Portland, OR
Serving Our Students
Across Oregon and Southern Idaho, The Salvation Army is meeting students where they are to bring them closer to a successful education.
After her father was medically discharged from the Marines for a severe back injury, Amber’s family landed in Oregon. “We did not have much when we moved here and continued to fall on very hard times over and over. My father, being the prideful Marine, felt that despite needing the assistance for his growing family, it’d be “too much”. Despite my parents having 3 young children, asking for food assistance was frowned upon, even after being discharged from the military, my father still was in that mindset.”
During this time, Amber’s family was introduced to The Salvation Army and participated in their Dress-a-Child event where Amber and her siblings were given new winter clothes. “I wasn’t ashamed to go to school when I wore those clothes. I didn’t get teased or made to walk the mile to my house and change into clothes that “fit me.” Those clothes from the Dress-a-Child event gave me so much confidence. I felt like I was normal like all the other children in my class.”
This past year, Amber, now a Nursing Student, was able to volunteer at Jackson County’s Dress-a-Child event where each child was paired with a dedicated adult volunteer who guided them through their shopping spree, helping them make wise decisions with their $100 budget. “It felt amazing to be able to help those children in need. The child that went shopping with me was somewhat embarrassed to be there and unsure of if he wanted to participate in the clothes shopping event. I told him about my story and how I am now able to help children that are in the position I was once in. After sharing my story, he really opened up, he was not embarrassed about being there anymore, and did not hesitate to pick out several winterfriendly outfits.”
“I am very thankful for The Salvation Army and everything this organization did for my family, and also continues to do for our community.”
Vendors chat with families and mascot RJ gets his teeth checked at the annual Health Fair at the Salem Kroc Center. This event raises funds for the Scholarship program and also provides access to valuable services like youth sports physicals to student athletes for free to the community each January.
Albany, OR Students show off heir “Galaxy in a Jar” art projects during one of the weekly Wednesday after-school programs. Though the school closes early for the short day, The Salvation Army Albany Corps opens their doors to make sure the students have a safe place to go while their parents continue working. Providing snacks, games, and character building classes, children enjoy coming back week after week.
“Camp
Kuratli offers the enchantment of overnight summer adventures within a nurturing Christian environment, where campers flourish with nutritious meals and social connection, crafting memories to cherish for a lifetime.”
Captain Mandy Hall, Divisional Youth & Candidates’ Secretary
Camp Kuratli
During summer, Camp Kuratli at Trestle Glen, a Salvation Army residential camp, offers five fun-filled days of recreational and educational programs for kids in a wholesome, Christian atmosphere. Nestled in the lush, green rolling hills of Oregon, Camp Kuratli offers kids an opportunity to appreciate nature in a well-supervised and safe outdoor setting.
Every day campers have fun while learning social skills and responsibility. From meal-time to chapel, through having fun as a cabin group, camp allows kids to be kids while giving them the opportunity to discover and build individual skills. Kids select and participate in activities that interest them as well as explore new and exciting activities.
Between the months of September and May, the site is also used to offer rental space to groups from 25 to 250 people with a variety of lodging, meals, and meeting spaces.
Building Bridges through music
“We are grateful for the grant support we have received from the Juan Young Trust, which has helped us make this dream a reality!”
-Captain
Caleb Montes, Corps Officer, Gresham
The Gresham Music Academy is an exciting new program, launched in September 2023, providing a quality program that benefits low-income families in the eastern Portland community.
The program offers lessons in ukelele, piano, individual vocal instruction, brass, and choir.
Currently, 25 students are enrolled, with the hope to increase capacity to 40 kids by the end of the school year.
The Music Academy has been a long-awaited program requested by church members and community families alike and has already seen incredible support from local businesses and musicians.
“Music sparks joy in children’s hearts, fostering creativity and connection. The Salvation Army’s legacy in music endures, enriching lives through its programs today.”
-Joel Garcia Divisional Music Director
Captain Peter Pemberton gives an award to a Portland soloist during the regional Encore Music & Arts, Competition.
Brass musicians on a float at the Portland Veterans Day Parade.
Guitar lessons for the elementary class, taught by Captain Corrin Perry in Grants Pass.
The Coos Bay Sunbeams pose after competing at the Territorial Encore Competition in Los Angeles, above. A teen learns the ukelele during Music Camp at Camp Kurali, right.
Salute to Veterans: Beaverton chaplain finds his purpose
By Lauren Bishop, Editor, Beaverton Valley Times
Story originally reported Nov. 11, 2023, in Beaverton Valley Times
Nate Lyons never pictured himself in Army fatigues. He wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted to do through high school and college, but he wasn’t planning on joining the military. He wasn’t planning on being seriously injured while on active duty, and he didn’t think he’d find God and eventually become a chaplain.
“Then 9/11 happened, and it changed my perspective on things,” Lyons said. “Everything I was doing was about me, but there was a bigger picture out there.”
Lyons joined the infantry three days after graduation. While he was enlisted as guard and reserve, he was immediately activated and sent to Colorado to train before a tour of duty in Iraq. Shortly thereafter, he landed in Kuwait on Easter Day 2003.
After being injured in the field, Lyons discovered his neck had been broken. Doctors at Oregon Health & Science University placed a few screws in his neck, but not before a neurosurgeon issued a grave message that would change the course of Lyons’ career. “He said, ‘How you are not dead, or a quadriplegic is a miracle,’” Lyons recalled.
Lyons felt what he called a “God moment” when he decided to work with veterans. “I wanted to help them since I might have been through the same things, or I could sympathize with them,” he said.
After becoming a chaplain through the local Foursquare Church, he was encouraged to volunteer at The Salvation Army Veterans and Family Center in Beaverton. Before long, a job opened for the chaplain at the Center focused on veterans and their families.
11,497 Nights of Housing provided to Veterans and their Families in 2023
101
Individual Veterans Served
“I’ve never been happier in a career than I am now,” he said. “This place feels like home to me, and it does for so many people.”
Chaplain Nate receives the “2023 Newsmaker of the Year” honor from the Royal Rosarians.
Lyons applied – though hesitant, not expecting the job – and has now been working there for one year, as of Thanksgiving week.
As chaplain at The Salvation Army Veterans and Family Center, Lyons runs weekly chapel services, oversees movie nights, the garden and greenhouse, and provides children at the center with books and treats. Now a listening ear to veterans in the area, Lyons aims to remind people – especially veterans –that they are not alone.
Wehadbeenwithoutwaterforacoupledays.Whenyouare atadeadendandtryingtofigureouthoworwhatbilltopay firstandevencallingcompaniestoworksomethingoutlike apaymentplanorsomediscountassistancetheydon’tcare aboutyourstruggle. Beingsokindoverthephonemeansalottoapersonwhois strugglingandknowingtherearepeoplewhocareandare willingtolisten. Fromthebottomofmyheartthankyouforunderstanding. Godblessyou!
